So I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a quinoa addict. It does tend to be a common theme on this blog, but it is just so delicious and versatile! I am especially inspired to whip up some quinoa in the summertime, when I’m craving a fresh but wholesome meal that can be enjoyed outdoors. The past couple of weeks have been gorgeous in Seattle, and my weekends have been filled with BBQs and potlucks, which makes me oh-so-happy. Life doesn’t get much better than enjoying good company, soaking in the last couple of hours of sun with the aromas of the grill going, and chowing down on refreshing salads, fruits, and beverages. Quinoa salads are my go-to for potlucks and picnics, and this recipe is my new favorite. I can (almost) promise you that if you bring this to your next outdoor party, you will make friends.
This salad packs an incredible number of superfoods into one delicious, flavorful punch. Although completely vegan and gluten-free, an impressive amount of protein (17g!) is provided via the quinoa, almonds, and edamame, along with a generous helping of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and nutrients from the combination of veggies, fruit, grains, nuts, and herbs. I have made several versions of this salad, but this one is my favorite, because it has the sweet, savory, spicy, salty, crunchy, and smooth all in one bite. That being said, one of the great things about this salad is how easy it is to swap out ingredients for what you have on hand. For example, you could omit the spicy ginger or replace it with dried apricot or mango. You could use any type of nut, including walnuts or peanuts. There are endless variations of this salad, so feel free to mix it up, depending on your pantry stock and cravings! To conclude, if you don’t have a BBQ or potluck already on your calendar, it’s obviously time to host one (or find new friends!), and serve this superfood quinoa salad, of course. 😉
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 2 carrots, sliced and halved
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 avoado, diced
- 1 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 lime’s juice and zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Rinse quinoa and place in medium saucepan with 1 3/4 cup water.
- Bring to a boil and then cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper in a jar or small bowl and mix well.
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for quinoa and avocado and toss with lime/spice dressing.
- Add cooled quinoa and avocado to the mixture and stir well, so that dressing is spread evenily. Use a wooden spoon and be gentle in order not to smash the avocado pieces.
- Enjoy immediately or store in tupperware in the fridge.
This sounds delicious! I love quinoa as well! I recently saw someone who made a quinoa burger (there was other stuff as well), and I’ve made quinoa crab cakes before. Looks like a great combination of flavors!! Thanks for sharing and have an awesome weekend! 😀
Thanks so much! Yes, I made quinoa salmon cakes a month or so ago (on the blog too) – delicious! Hope you have a great weekend too 🙂
Hi Sweetie, Have to leave out the ginger for me; but looks good!Luv,gram
Thanks, Gram! xo
I love quinoa….never would have thought to put crystallized ginger in it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Thank you! Hope you try it out!
Quinoa is definitely my friend. This looks so good and well balanced in flavour and nutrients. I like to feel good about what I’m eating. Thanks for sharing this excellent recipe. Xo
Yes, me too! Thanks so much for your comment! Hope you enjoy 🙂
terrific use of contrasts in texture and color too! Just lovely.
Thank you so much, that is sweet of you to say!
I could make a meal out of this too! Looks delicious!
Thanks so much!
Yuuum this salad sounds so good! I love crunchy and filling salads like this 🙂
Thank you, hope you try it out! 🙂
This looks so satisfying and delicious. I never would have thought to put crystallized ginger in a savory dish, what a great idea!
Yes, it adds a little kick! Thank you!
I love quinoa and you really made a great combination! Nice!
Thanks so much! 🙂
I have a terrible love-hate relationship with quinoa. I need go in waves. Right now I am blah again, which is crazy because my last blog post was a quinoa dish.